Ortovox Free Rider 26 S, mountain rose

Ortovox Free Rider 26 S, mountain rose

NOTE: Back shield for Ortovox Free Ride can be purchased separately HERE.

The bestseller that just got even better! But why change something that's already great? For many years, Ortovox has had a strong position in the market when it comes to safe and comfortable ski backpacks. The Free Ride range has been the ultimate favorite for skiers on and off the slopes. However, Ortovox thought the popular backpack could be even better, so it has now received several upgrades, making it one of the world's best ski backpacks (again), if not the best.

With the new upgrades, Ortovox has focused on 3 things. Comfort, flexibility and the environment.

The backpack has become even more comfortable to wear as they have made it sit even closer to your back, which gives you more control as the backpack will not feel bulky and fluttering behind you. The hip strap has been optimized, as has the back panel, which now follows the spine even better. This means that the bag moves according to the body's movements, providing enormous flexibility that doesn't impede your movements when you're pushing yourself on the piste or in the deep snow of the off-piste. At the same time, the bag is more streamlined in look and design.

Ortovox is very environmentally conscious, which is why they have used recycled materials and PFC-free materials. The bag is CO2 neutral and by 2024, Ortovox expects their entire production to be CO2 neutral.

The backpack has a separate compartment for avalanche/safety equipment, which is easy and quick to access, so you can react quickly in case of an accident. It is also possible to open the backpack at the back panel, which makes it easy to grab your gear if you are ski touring, for example, and have your helmet and skis attached to the back. There are 4 compartments in the backpack.

There are all kinds of options for attaching skis, snowboards, ropes, snowshoes, ice axes etc. For skis you can use diagonal and vertical attachment (D-FIX & A-FIX). It is also possible to tighten the bag with compression straps, which can be useful if the bag is not completely full. This makes it fit even closer to your body and gives you even more comfort and flexibility.

The compartments inside the bag are made in bright colors so it's easier to see your gear. It is prepared for a drinking system, such as Camelbak.

In the old version of Ortovox Freeride, the back shield was integrated into the backpack. Now it's separate, which offers a host of advantages. For example, you can now use the backpack for everyday use/other sports, as you can simply remove the back shield. This saves you 200 grams and makes it more flexible and comfortable for everyday use. If you want to use the bag for randonee, where the focus is on going up, it can be an advantage to leave the back shield at home. Inside the bag, there is a small pocket where the back shield should be placed, so it provides good protection. We 100% recommend buying the back shield with the backpack, as the purpose of the FREE RIDE bag is to use it with a back shield for optimal safety. The back shield does not compromise flexibility or comfort as it is made of soft materials that follow the body's movements. Find it by typing Ortovox Clasp Spine Protector in the search bar.

The new CLASP BACK SYSTEM in the back, which provides more comfort and flexibility, also provides safety, but not at the same level as the back shield, which is in principle approved for motorcycle riding. This again speaks in favor of buying the 2 things together.

After the new adjustments, the FREE RIDE backpack has become even better. If you're looking for a ski backpack for the piste/off-piste, this is the model. It's made for the off-piste!

It has a Short Back System Fit, which means it fits a lower height/length back. It fits a back length of 36-44 cm. To find the length of your back, Ortovox's tip is to measure from the top of the hip to the 7th CERVICAL VERTEBRA/neck vertebra. (It is clear to feel). Otherwise, our experience is that this size fits a person from 150-175 cm. The Short Back System is designed with women and men with a shorter back in mind.

Specifications and features:
Volume: 26 liters
Weight: 1,110 grams
Dimensions: 28x56x19 (cm)
Prepared for hydration system (not included)
Pocket for back shield (not included)
Removable helmet cover
Eco-friendly and CO2 neutral
D-FIX & A-FIX (A-FIX max. ski width: 150mm)
Recycled materials
Emergency card
Compartments are bright inside for better visibility of equipment
Compression System
Comfortable and flexible back panel
Minimalist design
Fits a person of 150-175 cm